[kenyan_cheena]

Five minutes later, ring announcer Frank Shain was ready to reveal the judge's verdict.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have a unanimous decision," said Shain. "The winner of this incredible bout, by scores of 56-55 on all three judges cards, is ALEX STEWART!"

The crowd applauded, but not in a wild, over the top manner. They realised they had just seen something special, and that whether one fighter or the other was the winner didn't really seem to matter.

The look on Alex Stewart's face was one of relief more than anything else. Joe Goddard smiled, shook his hand and embraced him, sharing words with Stewart's cornermen before ESPN's Jay Marlow brought both of them together in the centre of the ring.

"Guys, that was just amazing," Marlow said.

The audience responded to this comment as one, another round of applause filling the arena, Stewart and Goddard both acknowledging the crowd's appreciation. They both thanked Marlow.

"Some are saying this is the best fight they've seen so far in the HBF," Marlow continued. "That's quite a compliment."

Both fighters smiled and laughed, fidgetting nervously.

"Now, Alex, you must be happy to have gotten the win," Marlow said. "But, just like last month, you really struggled in the middle there, didn't you?"

Stewart smiled. "Yes, that's something I really have to work on, for sure. But, yeah, I'm happy that I won. Then again, if it had been a draw, I don't think I would have cared. I'm just happy that we were able to put on such a great show for this great audience."

Said audience showed their appreciation once again.

"I think we both knew that something pretty remarkable was going on," said Goddard, in response to a question from Marlow about the nature of the bout. "This was a bout that either one of us could have won. I really take my hat off to Alex. This guy has really got some power in those fists. I think you all saw how that left hook in the fifth pretty much killed me."

"Well, some people say that certain matchups are made in heaven," said Marlow. "I think this was one of them. Joe, you've been in two exciting fights so far, but with no victory to show for it. It must be frustrating for you."

"Um, not really," Goddard replied. "To me, the fact that I haven't won yet just isn't important. I know in my heart that I've competed hard both times out, and come terribly close both times. If I had to choose between losing like I did tonight, and getting my butt kicked for six rounds, I'd take tonight every time. I gave it my best shot. Couldn't really ask for more than that."

"Well, unfortunately, things aren't going to get any easier for you in the next couple of bouts, where you'll be taking on the top two in the group, Sharkey, and then Langford. I think this audience would agree with me when I say good luck for those bouts, Joe."

The audience showed their agreement, cheering for the determined Australian's future success.

"Thank you," said Goddard. "All I'd like to say is that I guarantee all of you ... I won't stop giving 100%. When those fights are over, Tom Sharkey and Sam Langford are both gonna know that they were in a serious contest."

With that, Goddard left the ring, congratulating Stewart once more and raising a hand to acknowledge the crowd's applause.

Marlow continued conversing with Alex Stewart.

"Alex, I guess the best way to sum up the start to your HBF career is to say you've done things the hard way," Marlow said. "In both of your bouts, you've had to fight back in the late rounds. You've managed to stay undefeated, and I think you should be commended for that."

Stewart smiled, wiping his face. "Without a doubt, it hasn't been easy," he said. "I guess my main problem has been focusing for the full six rounds. I think if I can solve that, my performances will improve. Still, like you said, I'm undefeated. Gerrie Coetzee is next up for me. Now, he didn't go so well against Tom Sharkey, and he's fighting Sammy Langford later tonight. Some might say I can take it easier against him, but there's no way I'm going to do that."

"Well, Alex, we'll all be looking forward to your next fight. Once again, everyone, a round of applause for your winner, Alex Stewart!"

Stewart shook Marlow's hand and stepped through the ropes, making his way back to the dressing room to the tune of appreciative applause from the audience...